England will face West Indies in their first day-night Test in this country at Edgbaston on Thursday.

In just his second series as captain, Joe Root must contend with the complication of an inaugural opening match under lights at Edgbaston, where they will play with a pink ball for the first time in an England Test.

Ahead of the clash, Sportsmail looks at how the new ball differs to the traditional red ball used since 1877.

SO HOW HAS THE PINK BALL GONE DOWN?

After crawling to a 139-ball 53 in Hampshire's day-night county game against Somerset, England all-rounder Liam Dawson said: 'If you keep using these balls you'll get some pretty boring cricket.'

The consensus is that after about 20 overs of prodigious swing, the pink Dukes ball softens and loses its shine — meaning it moves around less and is easier to play.

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Many complain that, while batting is fine during daylight, the pink ball moves around violently when the sun drops, particularly during twilight, thus favouring the bowlers.

Former Australia batsman Adam Voges, who played in the inaugural day-night Test against New Zealand in 2015, said: 'During the day the pink ball is pretty good to bat against. During twilight it's a lot tougher. It's like a different game.

Ben Stokes does some slip catching practice under the floodlights ahead of West Indies Test

The pink ball, which is being used in a Test for the first time, pictured during nets session

'That time when natural light is fading and artificial light is taking over is the most difficult. It affects your depth perception — everything feels like it's happening quicker.

'If you get the chance, and the wicket looks even half good enough, you have to bat first.'

Warwickshire chief executive Neil Snowball will try to reduce the effects of the evening dew on play by having a special spray applied to the outfield.

In theory, it will ensure water droplets sit on top of the grass. When the rope is then dragged around the outfield the moisture should spray into the air and evaporate.

Jimmy Anderson told Sportsmail the pink ball doesn't seem to swing as much as the red

England have put in their final hours of practice on the eve of their first day-night Test match

AND HOW WILL THE DAY-NIGHT TEST WORK?

Play starts at 2pm, with stumps scheduled for 9pm. A 40-minute 'lunch' break starts at 4pm. 'Tea' — when the floodlights come on — is from 6.40-7pm. Players will be offered the usual selection of chicken, pasta and pulses — and an additional 'brunch' meal when they arrive at midday.

Edgbaston is known for its superb atmosphere, and Snowball and his team hope to keep it lively during the chilly evening session with a rum shack, artificial beach, deck chairs and a giant screen behind the Wyatt stand.

Moeen Ali, the leading wicket-taker against South Africa, aims to continue his form